Pope Francis calls for an end to violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Pope Francis has called for an end to violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo appears to be deteriorating. On Sunday, government security forces fired on demonstrators who were protesting against President Joseph Kabila, killing six people.
The protests had been organised by the local Catholic Church.

“Worrying news continues to arrive from the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Pope Francis told his congregation in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City.

“I therefore renew my appeal that everyone make all efforts to avoid any form of violence. From its side, the Church wants nothing other than to contribute to peace and to the common good of society,” he added.

The Catholic church had called for rallies around the country despite a government ban on all demonstrations since September 2016, when anti-Kabila protests turned violent.

At least five people have been killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to the UN, as authorities cracked down on banned protests against President Joseph Kabila.

Mr Kabila is tight-lipped, leaving his political allies to do his bidding for him. President Kabila Since taking power following the assassination of his father, has been in power since 2001, and was supposed to step down after his second and final term came to an end in 2016. The constitution bars him from seeking a third term.